Chapter 15
(A New Friend)
Callista stood looking at herself in a full length mirror. In only a few minutes she would leave her room and be presented to the Unseelie court. She was once again feeling nervous but she felt ready.
It had taken her a long time to find a dress for her father’s ball but she’d finally found one. She’d chosen a dress that was emerald green. It was strapless like her blue dress but that was the only real similarity. The top of the dress was adorned with crystals in a two inch band. The bottom of the dress also had crystals sporadically placed making it have the appearance of diamonds. Her hair had been pulled up into a French twist adorned with an emerald comb.
Hearing a knock she turned to face the door. “Come in,” She called. The door opened and she watched as her father entered her room. She gave a very graceful bow as he approached.
Soren looked at his daughter with pride. He had no doubt she would capture the attention of the men at the ball. It was even quite possible he would receive offers for her hand. He would be polite but not accept any. The Goblin King was still his first choice for his daughter.
“I have something I want you to wear tonight,” The king announced. “Well two things.” Callista watched as her father brought out a ring. He picked up her right hand and slipped it on her ring finger. “Now you will be safe.”
“Safe?” The teenage girl asked.
“Yes. The ring will protect you from any charms. Anything that could bind you to someone.”
“I don’t understand,” Callista replied.
“There are spells that can be put on things to bind a person to who the item was given from. If someone were to put say a necklace on you in hopes of making you theirs they would be unable to.” Holding her hand with the ring ha said, “So long as you wear this ring you are protected.”
“But if I take it off I’m at their mercy,” The girl summarized.
“You can’t remove it,” Soren informed the girl. “Only I can remove the ring from your hand. This is for your protection.” Callista wasn’t sure about how she felt about it being placed on her before she was told what it meant but nodded. She did believe he only wanted to keep her from harm.
“This is the second item.” Callista watched as a box was sat on the table. Soren opened the box and lifted a diamond and emerald tiara out. “This is simply your tiara. Nothing more,” The dark king said and placed it on her head.
“I would’ve worn the ring if you’d told me,” Callista told her father.
Gently the king touched his daughter’s right cheek. “You are very brave and do not always think little things should matter. I know the men of this court. I will not take a chance where you are concerned.” Callista nodded and looked down.
The king felt an ache in his heart seeing her disappointment. He knew then he should have given her a chance and told her first. “Next time I will tell you.” The teenage girl looked up at him. “But if you refuse..”
“I will obey you,” The girl assured him. He simply nodded.
“I have to go. I will see you down stairs in a little while.” Callista nodded and watched as her father walked to her door. He stopped and looked back at her, “You do look beautiful Callista.”
“Thank you,” Callista said giving her father a warm smile. The king nodded and then left the room. Callista looked down at the ring on her finger. It was a moment before she realized it was the same type of dark stone that she had caught at the first ball. It was a stone that was somehow connected to her dark elf family. She suddenly felt special. Her father cared enough to think of even the smallest way of protecting her.
It wasn’t long and her guards came for her. Callista left her room and was not worried. She had her four devoted guardians with her. She knew no matter what happened they would never leave her.
Callista didn’t remember the walk at all as she found herself outside waiting to be presented to the Unseelie court. “Her Royal Highness Princess Callista of the Dark Elves. Heir to the pixie throne. Callista took one deep breath as she heard her name called. Letting it out she held her head high and entered the ball room.
The teenage girl descended the stairs with the grace of a swan. Every step was deliberate. She reached the bottom stair to find Moryn waiting for her. He offered her his arm with a nod. She returned the graceful nod accepting his arm. Moryn escorted her to where their father sat on his throne and she went into a deep curtsy. Her father nodded at her and Moryn escorted her to her table.
‘Excellent,’ She heard Cavin say.
‘Thank you,’ She replied sitting down. She glanced at those at her table and found the Goblin King was seated among the occupants.
“King Aidan,” She greeted with a gracious nod.
“Princess,” He replied in acknowledgement.
Dinner was quickly served and at the kings command they began to eat. Soon the meal was finished and it was time for the dancing to begin.
“Daughter,” Soren said appearing next to Callista. “Shall we?” Callista nodded and leaving the table with her father they entered the dance floor. Once again the dark king took his daughter in his arms and began to dance. After a few moments others joined them on the dance floor.
Once again Callista found herself spending a lot more time on the dance floor than in her seat. After a time she was finally able to truly look the room over. It was decorated with dark and olive green as well as black. Several chandeliers hung but it was darker than her first ball. The girl didn’t mind though she found it just as beautiful.
Slowly she began looking over the occupants of the room. It was then she realized she seemed to be the most modestly dressed woman there. She then noticed all three of her brothers were surrounded by women. A glance at the goblin king and his entourage didn’t surprise her. ‘My brothers are playboys too,’ Callista thought. She had to fight the urge to roll her eyes.
‘Most men who have power residing in darkness are,’ Cavin informed her. She looked at him. She started to head toward her captain when she felt a hand on her arm.
“May I have this dance?” The Goblin King inquired.
“I’d love to,” She replied and allowed him to lead her to the dance floor.
Aidan held the girl as he had at her first ball. They moved to the music and Callista found she felt very comfortable in his arms. “Thank you again, for letting me spend time in your Labyrinth,” Callista told him.
“You are very welcome,” He replied. “You still need to come back and finish.”
“I plan to,” She replied.
Soren was seated in his chair as he watched The Goblin King escort his daughter to the dance floor and begin to dance with her. The dark king didn’t show it but he was pleased by the sight.
Casually the dark king glanced around the room. He saw a few faces of disappointment among both men and women. The women were disappointed the goblin king wasn’t dancing with them. The men were because it would be very hard to compete with The Goblin King. They were silently hoping to be the one to console her once he’d broken her heart. None knew of the potential betrothal between the two. That was a little secret only he and those closest to him would know for now.
The song came to an end and a woman Callista didn’t know seemed to appear next to them. “It’s my turn isn’t it?” A red haired woman said with strained sweetness. It was bordering being down right demanding.
“By all means,” The Blonde teenager replied. It wasn’t until she’d walked away from the pair that she realized the red head had been one of the women fawning over him. Callista didn’t care though. She didn’t feel jealous at all. She wasn’t tied to anyone.
“May I have this dance?” A fae with dark hair and eyes inquired.
“You may,” She replied to the handsome stranger. She placed her hand on his arm and they walked out onto the floor. “While I don’t wish to be rude..who are you?” She asked innocently.
“Prince Norwood,” He replied. “I’m from the Dragon kingdom.”
“Really?!” She said showing immediate excitement. “So would I be right to assume there are dragons in this realm?”
“Indeed,” He replied. He watched as excitement and wonder seemed to race into the dark elf princess. The sight amused him. Most creatures would appear taken back and even slightly fearful. The teenage girl in his arms showed no fear whatsoever. In fact she seemed pleased with the knowledge. “Perhaps your father will allow me to let you see one up close,” He suggested before he thought.
“I’ll ask him,” Callista said. Seeing a raised eyebrow she realized she might have come across a little too excited. “Sorry,” She apologized. “I’ve never seen a real dragon. Read stories about them but they were just stories.”
“And you are willing to go racing to see one? I’m sure all the stories you have heard were not good,” Prince Norad commented.
“True but…they fascinate me,” She admitted.
“Really,” He commented. “Is there anything else that fascinates you?”
“As silly as it sounds King Aidan’s Labyrinth,” She admitted.
“The Labyrinth?” He said rather surprised. She smiled and nodded. The prince couldn’t help but wonder about the girl in his arms. This girl seemed to be different than others somehow. ‘I want to learn more about this girl’ he thought to himself.
Soren looked to see his daughter was now with the heir to the dragon throne. He watched the two and noticed his daughter’s genuine smile. To himself he had to admit the dragon prince wasn’t a bad second choice to Aidan. The dark king still hoped for Aidan and his daughter but if not he would accept the dragon prince. After all his kingdom and the Dragon kingdom were close allies.
The Dark Elf King looked the room over and couldn’t stop a smirk as he noticed once again his daughter had unintentionally caused jealousy in some of the other ladies.
“Your daughter seems to be attracting a lot of attention,” King Pazel commented sitting down with the King Soren. “Even a few daggering eyes,” He added openly amused.
“Yes. Without even trying,” Soren replied shaking his head.
“With as much attention as she is receiving, my son’s included, I’d hate to see how much more she could get if she did try,” The Dragon King commented.
Soren nodded and then made the comment, “I noticed your daughter seems to be attracting quite a lot of attention to others dismay as well.”
“Yes but Amara is purposely attracting attention. Callista is doing it by accident,” King Pazel said watching as his own daughter danced with Prince Vardan. “Has our daughters even had a chance to meet yet?”
“I don’t know.” Soren looked around and motioned to Cavin. His daughters guard wasted no time and came to him.
“Majesty,” He said with respect.
“Have Callista and Amara been introduced?” The dark king asked.
“No, they have both been on the dance floor most of the time,” He replied nonchalantly.
“Thank you,” Soren said. Cavin nodded and quickly returned to his place to guard the princess. The Dark Elf noticed the hidden question in the dragon kings eyes and said, “He and the rest of my daughter’s guards are very protective of her in every way. Nothing gets past them.”
“I see,” The dragon king commented. “I must admit I was surprised there were not dark elves guarding her. How did you get Cavin to guard her? He’s refused any offer he’s ever been given.”
“I didn’t. Somehow she….won their allegiance,” Soren replied. He almost laughed as the Dragon King’s mouth started to fall open before Pazel realized and shut his mouth. “I was just as surprised.”
“At least you know she is under the protection of one of the best. Not just fae but creatures of this realm.” The dragon king looked at Cavin to see he was clearly watching the girl and looking for signs of danger.
“He and the others turned away from Abron even before his death,” Soren commented. Pazel looked at the dark king clearly interested. “He wanted them to swear their allegiance to him even over her.” He glanced at each of his daughter’s guards and said, “They have sworn themselves completely to her. They will serve her until their dying breath.” The thought actually brought comfort to the dark king. He knew they would serve her well.
“It looks like both girls are free for the moment,” Pazel commented. He quickly waved his daughter over.
“Tae have Callista join us, “Soren announced. Tae bowed and headed to collect the kings daughter.
A few minutes later Tae returned with Callista. “Father,” Callista said as she arrived.
“Callista this is King Pazel of the Dragon Kingdom and his daughter Amara,” Soren announced. The worn girls nodded in acknowledgement of each other. “You two have been on the dance floor so much we wanted to make sure you got a moment to meet. Especially since our kingdoms are allies.”
“Now I’ll have someone to talk to when I’m here,” Amara said pleased. Callista smiled brightly at the Dragon Princess and nodded. “Not that I don’t enjoy my time here majesty but… I’m sure you understand.”
“Yes. Women do tend to need other women’s company,” The Dark Elf King acknowledged. Although he wasn’t sure if his daughter could be included in a rare group that perhaps didn’t.
“You will be attending the tournament won’t you?” Princess Amara said hopefully as she looked at the new princess.
“Tournament?” Callista asked with peaked interest.
“The dragon kingdom is hosting a tournament in two weeks,” Soren announced as if answering the question. The teenager looked at him as to continue. “Forgive me Callista I must remember that a simple term for us is not as yet a concept you would understand yet. There will be joisting, fencing,..”
“Like a medieval tournament?” The teenage girl said trying to tie it to something she was familiar with.
“Yes. Very much like those,” Amara confirmed.
“Sounds like fun,” The younger princess remarked as excitement once again danced in her eyes. “Are there rules for who can compete?”
“Only nobles,” King Pazel announced.
“Mostly men compete but there are a few of us women that compete as well,” Amara said.
“I take it you’re a competitor?” Callista said. Hesitantly the dragon princess nodded. Callista suddenly got the feeling Amara was afraid she’d said something she shouldn’t have. “What competitions do you compete in?”
“Fencing, Archery, and dagger throwing,” Amara replied.
“I’ve never done fencing,” The blonde haired teenager said. “I tried archery once but… I got banned from the class after one day.”
“Why?” Amara asked becoming curious of the girl before her.
“They were afraid I’d accidently kill myself or someone else,” Callista replied. “One stray arrow and … they had no sense of adventure.” Amara let out a laugh and both girls let out a few giggles. “I do however know how to throw daggers.”
“Really?” Tae inquired.
“Yeah a few of my friends liked to compete at renaissance fairs,” The Dark Elf Princess replied. I watched them practicing and asked to learn. Then Grams saw me practicing one afternoon and decided to improve my ability and correct what I did wrong. That’s how I found out she could throw daggers.”
“You’re welcome to compete as well,” King Pazel assured her.
“I appreciate the offer but it’s been a while since I picked up a dagger,” Callista commented.
“You have time to practice,” Amara said.
“I’ll think about it,” Callista said with a smile that clearly showed she was enticed by the idea.
As the two girls continued to talk it was becoming very clear that they were headed for a friendship that they both needed. Soren and Pazel exchanged knowing looks. Their daughters were both beautiful and clearly very different than most of the others in the room.
“Maybe we should have let them dance a bit more before we introduced them,” King Pazel commented. “They seem to have forgotten there are men in the room.”
Soren smirked at the Dragon King’s observation. “They will be good for each other I think.”
“Indeed,” King Pazel agreed.
As the evening came to a close Callista couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief and belonging. She liked the Dragon Princess and was looking forward to getting to know her more. Amara was the first female friend she’d made. A female friend she felt like she could be herself with. She arrived at her room and once changed she quickly crawled into bed and fell fast asleep.